It can be daunting to plan, especially for easy going souls like me. I want everyone to be happy AND I also get easily overwhelmed. A wedding day full of people crowding around me is not ideal. I want intimacy, romance and moments to just breathe. I want to be surrounded by a close knit group of humans who truly care for me. And I want lots of tasty cupcakes, too. ;)

So I decided to create a list of tips! These are especially for those like me who love all things minimalist and carefree. Those who want to have the most beautiful, epic day AND enjoy each little moment too.

#1 // Connect with Your Vendors

Connecting with your vendors is HUGE to have a stress-free wedding day. When you can trust them 100% you can spend your day with your lover, family and friends. And when a problem does arise, you'll know they can handle it! If you can't trust your vendors you'll spend all day fixing issues, answering their questions and feeling unsure of their process.

Budget always plays a role when booking wedding vendors. But don't forget to truly ask yourself if you want to spend your wedding day with this person. If the answer is yes, BOOK THEM NOW! Wedding vendors book quickly and many times months or years in advance!

#2 // Be Yourself Always

This is a big one.

Simple and somewhat obvious but this is YOUR day.As a photographer nothing hurts my heart more than seeing a couple get married and not be themselves.

This is the day you're joining lives with the one you love! Be yourself!

If you want to elope on a mountain top, DO IT. If you want to get married in a small chapel, DO IT. If you want to wear a black dress, DO IT. If you want to get crazy fancy, DO IT.

The last thing you want is to look back on your day years down the road and not see anything that reminds you of YOU. Yes, weddings are always beautiful! But don't forget to include details, locations and styles that really showcase the real you. There's nothing more freeing than being yourself!

#3 // Find Alone Time

Finding a few minutes with your new spouse is difficult no matter how "chill" your wedding day might be. Weddings go by SO quickly. You're the reason for the party and everyone will want a moment with you. But it's important to take at least a few minutes to walk away with your person, take in the moment and remember the reason for the celebration.

This is why I choose to focus on intimate weddings and elopements and LOVE first looks. It's extremely hard to find 10 minutes alone when you have a huge guest list and a full day of events. Less is more. Your photographer (I volunteer as tribute!) can help you make a timeline for you day that allows for a first look or simply a sunset walk to get away.

#4 // Include Your Fur-babez

Not required but always encouraged. Including your pets in your wedding day doesn't necessarily always make your day more relaxed. ;) But it will bring a smile to your face and probably make you laugh a few times! Experiencing depression and anxiety has made me appreciate my furry children so much more. My two cats can really calm me down when I'm feeling anxious.

So why not bring a cute addition along that can also relieve stress?!

#5 // Get Silly. Get Dirty.

This is the part where you stop giving a $h*t. Let your dress get dirty, get in the ocean and LAUGH. Dance. Yes the one you do in your underwear. Dance like no one's watching because this is your day! Can't repeat that enough. So much "wedding stress" comes from trying to please others or do things the proper traditional way. So throw caution out the window, be your real self and let's celebrate your love!